Imparting Spiritual Gifts—Romans 1:11

"I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong" (Romans 1:11)

Paul had already hear of the Romans faith. News of them had spread throughout the known world. Even though Paul hadn't at this time met them, he was anxiously awaiting a time when he would be able to visit them in person.

One of the biggest reasons Paul wanted to visit Roman was so he could impart spiritual gifts to the brethren there. The church was strong and their faith was talked about, however as far as record goes, the Christians at Rome had never had an apostolic visit. Paul was anxious to lay his hands on them and impart gifts of the Spirit to them.

The main reason Paul wanted them to have spiritual gift s was to make them strong and established. Paul said in I Corinthians 14:3-4 that the gifts of the Spirit operating in the church produce edification, exhortation, encouragement and comfort. Used privately they edify the believer. Spiritual gifts are a important part of building up the local body. Jesus told the disciples to wait until He sent the Holy Spirit before they were to go out as witnesses on His behalf. ( Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5 )

Gifting through and by the Holy Spirit are essential to a functioning body of believers. Spiritual gifts can be passed from person to person by the laying on of hands. They are not reserved for a special few people, they are designed for all born again believers. We are endued with power from on high so we can be effective witnesses for our Lord Jesus.

Paul longed to see this group of believers because he had heard about their faith and their love of Jesus. More importantly, he wanted them to be strong and established in gifting from the Holy Spirit, so they would be able to continue on in the grace they began with. Today, open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to reveal from the scriptures the truth about spiritual gifts and how to operate in them. I know the Lord will bless you and give you insight into this.